DFRL-DRDO inked 29 licence agreements for technology transfers (LA ToT) to spur food entrepreneurship in the country. A business-to-business (B2B) interaction was held with entrepreneurs to explore the possibility of establishing food processing industries in Goa.

The pact inked with the entrepreneurs included Tropical Fruits and Agro Products, Kerala, and Sushma and Co (Electricals), Mumbai, for curd making machines and digitalised hot plate.

There were six edible cutlery companies. These included Prime Foods (Mysuru); two from Bengaluru (Padmavathi Ramona, Rashi e-Waste Solution and Seveneves); Vijay Gas Agencies (Salem) and Frumar Food Products (Hyderabad).

At the recently-concluded Industry Interface and Technology Management (DIITM), the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with the Goa State Industries Association (GSIA) conclave on food technologies, the platform showcased DRDO/DFRL products and spin-off technologies for large-scale adoption by entrepreneurs.

The objective was to create awareness among Goan entrepreneurs and the general public about the availability of 142 food technologies and products which were developed initially for the Armed Forces by DRDO.

The conclave suggested that research bodies must also find the way to utilise local bio-resources, such as breadfruit and jackfruit, among others.

Inaugurating the conclave, Manohar Parrikar, chief minister, Goa, said, “DFRL-DRDO played a significant role, as it caters to the requirements of the Armed Forces.”

“Those who intend to venture into self-employment can set up their industry units by availing the benefits of various schemes of the government of Goa and should capitalise on the various incentives, such as the reimbursement of royalty for the entrepreneurs in the region who adopt DRDO food technologies,” he added.

Vijai Sardesai, the state agriculture minister, urged Goan entrepreneurs to use modern food technologies for the hospitality sector.